As the traditional observance of Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days) approaches, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has introduced a special program called “e-Undas” to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City connect with their loved ones and honour the memory of the departed despite being behind bars.
Under this initiative:
- PDLs are provided access to supervised video-calls so they can virtually visit or pay respects to deceased family members.
- A special Mass is held at the NBP Cemetery — including for unclaimed remains of PDLs — thereby giving dignity and remembrance even to those whose families have not visited.
- BuCor emphasises the importance of maintaining family ties, showing compassion and shared memory during a time traditionally reserved for visiting graves.
Why It Matters
- The program recognises the emotional and spiritual need for connection, even in confinement.
- It aligns the rights of PDLs to remembrance and family contact with modern technology and institutional support.
- It also highlights how BuCor is taking steps to humanise correctional facilities by enabling acts of remembrance during Undas.